This event is taking place on the unceded territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ Nations.

Calling all tree lovers, land defenders and concerned citizens!

There is growing public concern about the future of our remnant Garry oak forests. The once-expansive Garry oak forests have been reduced to scattered trees and isolated residual forest patches throughout the region. Few natural Garry oak ecosystems survive. We continue to lose trees through municipal development approvals. In this era of climate emergency, the survival of the remaining Garry oak ecosystems is under threat.

Join us for a lively discussion on why Garry oaks are important to our communities and what is being done to restore and protect this critical ecosystem for our region. We will also consider the challenges faced with protecting the urban forest and how to engage with local government, and the public in general, on these issues.

We will be welcomed to the territory by TIFFANY JOSEPH whose ancestors have been here since time immemorial (Tsartlip and Tsawout Nations). As a recent candidate for North Saanich council and through her work with organizations like Sea Change, Tiffany maintains a deep interest in native plant restoration and habitat conservation. She will be speaking on: Ecosystems as our Relatives

Facilitator: BOB YATES, Yates,Thorn & Associates

OTHER SPEAKERS INCLUDE:
STUART MACPHERSON, Falaise Community Association

NATHALIE CHAMBERS, Saanich Councillor

FRANCES LITMAN, Community Trees Matter Network
"Trees Please - Why We Need Trees - Empowering communities to take a stand for their trees"

RON CARTER, Garry Oak Meadow Preservation Society
"Infrastructure of a Different Colour: Green"

JAMES MISKELLY, Biologist, Saanich Native Plants
"Ecological values of Garry oak and other Native Trees"

DOORS OPEN AT 630 pm

Includes interactive discussion/ feedback
Followed by calls to action and ways to stay involved

Refreshments provided.
Donations gratefully accepted at the event.
Please RSVP treelove@falaise.ca if you plan to attend.

For more info on the organizers, please visit:
https://www.falaise.ca/

Details here: